"She's had a stressful six months," a friend told The Sun. "She's been given three months off and no one can blame her for taking a break.

"Jessie's worked solidly since her wedding nightmare and had already come back early from what would have been her honeymoon. It was a very easy decision to make for the show. She is a great actress and extremely popular on set.

"She'll come back stronger than ever. Jessie's convalescing after a long run and very stressful six months. She'll be back as soon as she's ready."